I have about 4 different versions of tortilla soup that I make and this is the go-to quick version. My mom actually came up with it. This is how it evolved. When we were home visited in March she decided to make tortilla soup for dinner. She was out running errands late in the afternoon and called me and said “can you get the soup started? Just throw some onion and garlic in the pot to saute…….and if you want you can add the canned tomatoes. Oh and then just throw in the shredded chicken in the fridge and the broth. I’ll be home in about 15 minutes to finish it”. “Ok” I said.
Well she came home, added some fresh corn off the cob, crushed in some tortilla chips and was done….and it was delicious. So if you go back and pay attention to the conversation, I really made the soup and she just finished it. Sheesh, she got off lucky I thought. 🙂
To make this go even faster, get the chicken shredded ahead of time; whether you buy a rotisserie chicken or throw some in your slow cooker, this is an easy do-ahead step.
Most tortilla soups are made with corn tortillas, but the crushed tortilla chips worked great as a quick substitute to thicken up the soup and season it. This version is just as flavorful as a more complex recipe! Of course you know tortilla soup is all about the toppings- lime, avocado, cilantro, shredded cheddar and sour cream.
You can have this hot, yummy soup on the table in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work- so easy!
I use the organic chicken broth since it’s not only organic, but lower in sodium. If you are watching you’re sodium intake you can always add some water to the soup to dilute it or in place of some of the broth. Homemade soup is so much healthier than the canned kind. Anyone can pull this one off!
Hope you’re having some fall-like temperatures and make this soon!
[Tweet “Mom’s Simple Chicken Tortilla Soup- so good + can be ready in under 20 minutes!”]
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 small onion or ½ of a medium, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes with their juices (you can use plain or the seasoned kind with green chili or even basil, oregano, garlic)
- 2-3 cups shredded chicken (Rotisserie works great)
- 4 cups (1 quart) organic chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of black pepper
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 2 handfuls tortilla chips, crushed with hands (or ~4 corn tortillas, cut in half, then into strips)
- Toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, shredded cheddar cheese and reduced-fat sour cream.
- In a medium-sized soup pot, add the olive oil. Saute the onion and garlic over medium heat, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, chicken, chicken broth, spices, corn and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tortilla chips or tortillas and continue to simmer additional 5 minutes until thickened a bit.
- Serve or continue to simmer on low until ready to serve. Squeeze each bowl with one lime wedge and desired toppings.
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I just love soup! I love making different soups at least once a week and this is definitely on my list to try next! Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe! Love your site!
I love tortilla soup and yours looks SO delicious, especially with that cilantro and avocado swimming around in there. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I too love, love tortilla soup! Your recipe sounds delish. My favorite skinny recipe sounds similar except it also has hominy and black beans in it, http://www.skinnykitchen.com/recipes/youll-love-our-heavenly-chicken-tortilla-soup/
Thanks! I’m trying this in the crock pot for dinner tonight. I also tried your PB Balls from not too long ago and they were great – the hubby can’t keep away from them.
Ohhh, how special to have the soup dedicated to me! Glad we have it documented, I seem to make it different every time but that is such a good combination! It helps to have a daughter who is a great cook and so knowledgable too:)
Your mum’s soup not only looks simple but comforting as well. So full of love. Mum’s soup is always the best 🙂
I have never made tortilla soup,will be sure to try this.looks yummy.
Tortilla soup is one of my favorites and this one looks super easy–and healthy too! I will for sure be bookmarking this one. Thanks!
This was such a great, easy recipe! Very delicious too 🙂 Thanks so much for posting it for all to use!!
I have to try this one!!!
Just made this for a quick meal when I got home from work. Huge hit!! Love it. This will be added to my menu often this winter!!!
Great! Glad you liked it and thanks for letting me know. It’s always nice to get feedback 🙂
I made this but had to add cumin and even my grandmother who is picky loved it. I also replaced the chips for strips of corn tortilla. Very good, I will make again. Thanks for sharing. I am a soup a holic.
I substitute 1 Jar of medium salsa for the tomatoes! It is delish!
I have made this several times with just slight variations. It is always a hit!!
Kelly, thanks for the comment. We eat a lot of tortilla soup (growing up in Texas) and it is always a favorite. Glad you enjoyed it!